President Duterte orders faster release of pension for war veterans

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte wants to fast-track the granting of over 6 billion pesos pension for war veterans.

This was the President’s instruction before concluding his speech at the celebration of the 75th year of ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ at Mount Samal National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Sunday.

“I’d like to repeat it. I am directing the Department of Budget and Management, DBM, and the Department of National Defense to expedite the early release of the AFP’s retirees’ pension credentials for fiscal years 2008 to 2013 in the amount of P6,421,000,000,” he said.

The Chief Executive said the veterans’ sacrifice to achieve the freedom the country now has, cannot be matched.

“No matter what we do, we can never do enough to repay you. But I would like for you to know that your government is doing much, much more. Our surviving veterans have suffered much. They should not suffer more. In the twilight of their years, they deserve a better life,” the President said.

President Duterte also assured that it is the government’s priority to grant the veterans and their families the appropriate benefits for them.

“I assure our veterans their families that we are prioritizing your entitlements. We have settled the backlog in disability pensions. We also made the management of almost 200,000 pension accounts more efficient,” he said.

President Duterte has also ordered the improvement and accessibility of medical services for the veterans and their families at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center and over 150 veteran-accredited hospitals.